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Lower Your Energy Bill While Staying Cool

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Date: Sep 15 , 2026
Category: News & Announcements

Last week's extreme heat event brought record temperatures to San Diego County, with unusually warm daytime and overnight conditions that increased air-conditioning use. As a result, electricity demand reached the highest levels ever recorded on SDG&E's system since 2014.

Eligible residential households will receive the California Climate Credit this month to offset a portion of energy costs during this period. However, additional financial resources are available for residents to utilize year-round to help manage your energy bills. Learn more about the programs below to save:

Clean Energy Alliance Administered Programs

  • PeakSmart Savers: This program program offers residential customers the opportunity to save up to 30% on electric generation rates by shifting their energy use during high-demand periods.

SDG&E Administered Programs

  • California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE): A state program providing qualifying low-income households with a 30% discount on monthly energy bills
  • Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA): A federal program offering qualifying low-income households an 18% discount on electricity bills
  • Arrearage Management Payment (AMP) Plan: This program is available for those with outstanding bills that are past due and are a CARE or FERA customer, offering a 12-month payment plan that forgives 1/12 of your debt after each on-time payment of the current month’s bill, up to a maximum of $8,000, and protects them from disconnections.
  • Medical Baseline: Provides additional electricity at the lowest rates for households with certain medical devices or climate control needs
  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): A federal program offering utility bill payment assistance, energy education, and free home weatherization/rehabilitation services in California
  • Level Pay Program: An SDGE budgeting tool that automatically averages your energy bill every three months based on your usage history, providing a predictable monthly payment to help manage seasonal highs and lows.

Learn more about the Clean Energy Alliance here, and use their Incentive Finder to discover what other rebates or incentive programs may be available for your household.

Stay cool, Solana Beach!